The Paradox of Poverty and Resource Wealth: Stakeholder Perspectives on Environmental Degradation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta

This study examines the nexus between poverty and environmental degradation using the Brass community of the Niger Delta as a case study. Drawing on stakeholder theory and semi-structured interviews with local residents, multinational oil companies, NGOs, and government officials, the study finds that oil exploration has undermined agriculture, health, and infrastructure, exacerbating poverty. Environmental degradation disrupts traditional livelihoods and imposes additional costs through poor health and corroded infrastructure. The study contributes to stakeholder theory by highlighting its application in high-power asymmetry contexts, offering policy insights on participatory environmental governance, legal reform, and local development planning in extractive regions. The study highlights the urgent need for robust legal frameworks, inclusive community engagement, and strategic investments in education, economic diversification, and sustainable infrastructure.